Can't really beat Hemingway for packing short sentences full of punch. I'll second the Bukowski factor. Also, Bukowski's favorite writer, John Fante was a master storyteller... "Ask The Dust" is still my favorite book.

On the journalism tip, the great feature writers are great examples of how to weave a tale and cliffhang storylines. Look for Gay Talese, Thomas French, Tom Wolfe, Rick Bragg to name a few.